2012 JEEP COMPASS adding oil

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.0L ............. 403
 Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 404
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 405
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 405
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 406
 Replacement Parts ..................... 407
 Dealer Service ........................ 408 
Maintenance Procedures ................. 408
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 409
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 412
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 412
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 413
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 414
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 417
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 417
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 418
7

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil
when the reading is at the low end of the indicated range
will result in the oil level at the full end of the indicator
range.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409

CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill
cap is replaced and tightened after adding oil.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified and meet the requirements of Chrysler Material
Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
for further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, or refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the blower is
operating or personal injury may result.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415

from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as
necessary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment, and the fluid level should be checked at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
clean the wiper blades, this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System......................... 421
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 423
Coolant Level .................... 421,425
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 425
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 422
Inspection .......................... 425
Points to Remember ................ 424,425
Pressure Cap ........................ 424
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 422
Corrosion Protection ..................... 432
Cruise Light ........................... 202
Cupholders ............................ 181
Customer Assistance ..................... 467
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 74
Dealer Service .......................... 408
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 188
Defroster, Windshield ................87,278,284
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 154 Diagnostic System, Onboard
................ 405
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 150
Dipsticks Power Steering ...................... 309
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 425
Engine Oil ......................... 411
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 160
Downshifting .......................... 298
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................... 139
Driving ............................... 308
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 96
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 173
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 316
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 316
Brake Assist System ................... 317
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INDEX 479